Updated Offseason Priorities

Staff Report

03/29/2004

The Cowboys owned #1 defense in the league last year but no one feared them because they ranked among the bottom of the league in sacks and turnovers. Make no mistake about it, the defense needed a catalytic rush end to make it a true difference-making unit. With Marcellus Wiley in the fold, the attention now turns to another position.

Cowboys bolstered their depth up front last week with an agreement with free-agent guard DeMingo Graham. Graham, who missed all of last season with a foot injury, came to terms on a one-year deal worth $535,000.

With 38 starts from 1999-2002, the five-year veteran should provide some experience behind guards Larry Allen and Andre Gurode.

The Cowboys remain in talks with free-agent tackle Greg Randall, who is the current target in the team's search for a starter at right tackle. Randall started 16 games for the Texans at right tackle last season, but he became expendable when Houston chose to sign free-agent tackle Todd Wade from the Dolphins.

The four-year veteran is considered a definite upgrade from departed right tackle Ryan Young. Randall, a starter on the Patriots' 2001 Super Bowl title team, has 42 career starts. He has not missed a start in his career because an injury.

Offensive line: Improving the running game also means improving the offensive line, especially the right side of the line where tackle Ryan Young and guard Andre Gurode were huge disappointments. Given that Young was released, tackle is the top priority of the offseason. The Cowboys will get an offensive tackle in free agency or at the top of the draft. The Cowboys are talking to Texans free agent Greg Randall but have yet to agree on a contract;

Defensive end: The Cowboys owned #1 defense in the league last year but no one feared them because they ranked among the bottom of the league in sacks and turnovers. Make no mistake about it, the defense needs a catalytic rush end to make it a true difference-making unit. The Cowboys believe they filled this need with free agent defensive end Marcellus Wiley. They will now turn their attention to signing a cornerback in free agency.